Georgian Public Opinion on Britain's Intention to Reintegrate Them into the Ottoman Empire

During a period of geopolitical tension in the Caucasus region, British interests were intricately linked to maintaining the stability and cohesion of the Ottoman Empire. This strategy was primarily aimed at counterbalancing the expansionist policies of Tsarist Russia. The British aimed to keep certain territories, including parts of Georgia, within the Ottoman sphere of influence. However, the idea of reintegrating Georgia into the Ottoman rule presented complex dynamics and reactions, primarily because the empire had already fragmented significantly.

The Geopolitical Context

For a long time, Britain’s intentions to maintain the Ottoman Empire as a counterweight to Russian expansion were well-documented. The British directly intervened in events such as the Crimean War, where they attacked Crimea after it had fallen under Russian control. The intention behind these actions was to disrupt Russian dominance in the region and ensure that important territories, including parts of Georgia, remained within the Ottoman fold.

No British Plan for Reintegration

It is crucial to clarify that the British had no formal plans to reintegrate Georgia into the Ottoman Empire following the empire's collapse. The Ottoman Empire disintegrated when Kemal Atatürk took power, and Russia became the dominant force in the region, not Britain. The geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically, and the focus shifted to managing Russian expansionism rather than reconstituting former Ottoman territories.

Georgian Public Sentiment

The reaction of the Georgian public to the potential reintegration into the Ottoman Empire appears to have been mixed. Given the historical scenario, which involved the gradual annexation of Georgian territories by Russia in the early 19th century, it is reasonable to assume that the Georgian populace was far from enthusiastic about such a proposal. The loss of Georgian autonomy by the Russia in 1801 marked the beginning of a long period of subjugation and turmoil for the people of Georgia. The remnants of Georgian kingdoms and principalities were dismantled, and the consequences of this are still felt in the region today.

Historical Context of Georgian-Ottoman Relations

Despite the eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire, Georgia has a rich and intertwined history with the Ottoman world. Many prominent figures in Ottoman and Turkish history had Georgian or Circassian heritage. Some notable examples include Murad Bey, who was the governor of Ottoman Egypt; Ismail Bey, who served as regent of Ottoman Egypt; Hurshid Pasha, the Grand Vizier and governor of Ottoman Egypt; and Damat Gürcü Halil Rifat Pasha, who was the Ottoman Grand Admiral. Furthermore, many Ottoman Sultans intermarried with Georgian princesses and noblewomen, including Bidar Kadn, Bezmialem Sultan (the mother of Abdülmecit I), Saliha Naciye Kadn, Nakidil Sultan (the mother of Mahmut II), Nükhetseza Hanm, and Halime Sultan (the mother of Mustafa I).

Turkish Recognition and Tensions

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Turkey officially recognized the independence of Georgia on December 16, 1991. On May 21, 1992, the formal Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations was signed between the two countries. However, this relationship has been strained at times due to historical and territorial disputes. In 2013, a publication of a Turkish nationalist map included the territory of Adjara into Turkish territory, which sparked friction and hostility between Georgia and Turkey. Though the issue had been downplayed, in 2017, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a speech mentioning the Georgian city of Batumi, reigniting tensions between the two nations.

Conclusion

The historical context of Georgian-Ottoman relations and the geopolitical dynamics between Britain, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire during this period suggest that the British interests in maintaining a buffer zone in the Caucasus were complex. The eventual collapse of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent Russian dominance meant that any discussion of reintegrating Georgia would have been met with resistance from the Georgian populace. Nevertheless, the cultural and historical ties between Georgia and the Ottoman world remain significant and enduring.